Policy & regulation

Transmission

Virginia to utilities: Do more with the existing power grid

Amid rising energy costs, the state just passed a first-of-a-kind bill that would force utilities to quantify and examine ways to reduce waste on the grid.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 3 March 2026
Energy efficiency

Massachusetts energy bill would make big cuts to energy efficiency

Advocates say the energy affordability measure is strong but for a proposed $1 billion reduction to efficiency programs that would undermine the sector without lowering bills.

By Sarah Shemkus . 27 February 2026
Utilities

Ohio corruption trial traces tactics to prop up nuclear and coal plants

Former FirstEnergy execs Chuck Jones and Mike Dowling face state criminal charges connected to HB 6 bailout maneuvers, for which Ohioans are still paying the price.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 27 February 2026
Solar

Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm

In more than half of U.S. states, Republican and Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation that would boost adoption of DIY solar systems.

By Alison F. Takemura . 26 February 2026
Electric vehicles

Trump’s EPA is yanking support for electric school buses

There’s $2.3 billion left unspent from a Biden-era clean school bus program. The Trump admin wants more of it to go to buses that run on fuels and not batteries.

By Marianne Lavelle . 25 February 2026
Virtual power plants

More states look to virtual power plants to fight rising electric bills

A dozen state legislatures are pushing measures to launch or expand programs that rely on customers’ thermostats, batteries, and EVs to relieve the grid.

By Jeff St. John . 25 February 2026
Emissions reduction

Will the EU water down its new carbon tariff?

On Jan. 1, the bloc launched its world-first fee on the carbon emissions of imported goods. A European Commission proposal to allow exemptions is drawing ire.

By Alexander C. Kaufman . 24 February 2026
Policy & regulation

Where’s New York on climate goals? Falling behind.

While other states expand decarbonization efforts amid federal opposition, New York is falling back on natural gas and may pause its climate goals altogether.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 20 February 2026
Climate crisis

States push climate superfund bills despite Trump’s opposition

The legislation would make oil and gas firms pay for climate damages from burning their products. Trump has referred to such laws as “extortion.”

By Sarah Shemkus . 17 February 2026
Policy & regulation

The EPA’s biggest emissions-fighting tool is dead — at least for now

The Trump administration has repealed the endangerment finding, setting up legal battles that could determine the future of the bedrock climate policy.

By Dan McCarthy, Kathryn Krawczyk . 13 February 2026